by Erin Hasinger
ComputerSchools.com Staff Writer
September 24, 2006
St. Louis, Missouri, boasts a sprawling metropolitan area that is home to more than 2.7 million and offers a world of opportunity to students. Named one of the top cities for safety and culture by TravelSmart, St. Louis is home to historical landmarks such as the Gateway Arch, as well as a $3.5 billion downtown revitalization that is marked with new entertainment venues and a rejuvenated business market.
Employment
According to the Missouri Economic and Regional Development Center, employment prospects for the computer industry are plentiful through 2012. Overall, the industry is forecasted for a 16% increase, while the greatest gains are predicted for network systems and data communications analysts – 37%; computer software engineers of systems software, database administrators, and network and communication systems administrators – all at 25%; and computer system analysts – 18%.
Students and new graduates might consider pursuing internship and employment opportunities at one of the many corporate headquarters offices that make their home in St. Louis. One of the city's largest employers is Boeing, which keeps its headquarters here and employs a significant information technology staff.
Other corporate headquarters include Anheuser-Busch, A.G. Edwards, Edward Jones, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
Education
St. Louis' students have a plethora of options when it comes to computer education, including the University of Phoenix for a bachelor of science degree in information technology and Washington University for a bachelor of science degree in computer science.
TechSkills offers certifications in A+, Cisco, JAVA, MCSE, Oracle, Web Design, and more, while Hickey College offers certification in computer operation and associate degrees in programming and Novell.
Missouri College is an option for those interested in a bachelor degree in digital animation. Another choice is DeVry University, which offers associate degrees in electronics and computer technology and network systems administration, and bachelor degrees in computer engineering technology, computer information systems, game and simulation programming, information technology, network and communication management, and technical management.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
The Missouri Department of Higher Education administers two scholarship and three grant programs to residents of the state.
Grant programs include the Missouri College Guarantee PLUS Program, Missouri College Guarantee Program, and the Charles Gallagher Student Financial Assistance Program. Financial need must be demonstrated by the student to qualify for grants programs.
Scholarships include the Marguerite Ross Barnett Memorial Scholarship, given to students who demonstrate financial need, and the Bright Flight program, which honors students for academic merit.
Summary
Computer students will find excellent prospects in St. Louis. Everything from fantastic educational options, a great job outlook, and an exciting city scene are here for students.
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